Infant soothing device

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a device useful for soothing an infant. The device comprises a decorative body and a moving element connected to the body and disposed below it. The body is generally large compared to the moving element and is preferably the dominant decorative (non-functional) feature of the device as a whole. The moving element moves rhythmically and persistently, generally in a pendular fashion. The moving element can be a simple structure, such as an arrow or ball. Preferably, the device produces a rhythmic sound synchronized with the motion of the moving element. The moving element, together with the optional sound, can draw an infant&#39;s attention, causing the infant to become calm and quite. Preferably, the device is adapted to hang over a crib, whereby the device can be conveniently used to sooth an infant.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to crib toys and other infant entertainment devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The problem of quieting infants to assist them in drifting off to sleep has plagued caregivers since time immemorial. Caregivers and infants continue to be troubled by long bouts of bedtime crying in spite of elaborate bedtime rituals and a plethora of crib toys.

It is believed, in some circles, that infants find comfort and solace in objects that move or rotate. Numerous toys, including mobiles, have been provided for use in cribs. Putting an infant in front of a grandfather clock so that the infant can watch the pendulum and be lulled to sleep has been suggested. Nevertheless, there remains a long felt need for effective devices that soothe infants to ease their transitions to sleep while in their cribs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. The primary purpose of this summary is to present some concepts of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

One aspect of the invention relates to a device useful for soothing an infant. The device comprises a decorative body and a moving element connected to the body and disposed below it. The body is generally large compared to the moving element and the body is preferably the dominant decorative (non-functional) feature of the device as a whole. The moving element moves rhythmically and persistently, generally in a pendular fashion. The moving element can be a simple structure, such as an arrow or ball. Preferably, the device produces a rhythmic sound synchronized with the motion of the moving element. The moving element, together with the optional sound, can draw an infant's attention, causing the infant to become calm and quite. Preferably, the device is adapted to hang over a crib, whereby the device can be conveniently used to sooth an infant.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the following description and annexed drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative aspects and implementations of the invention. These are indicative of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the invention may be employed. Other aspects, advantages and novel features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of another embodiment of the present invention along with an infant in a crib;

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a further embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a crib with a device according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a still further embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an exemplary device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The device 10, comprises a supporting arm 11, a decorative body 12, a pendular arm 13, and a speaker 14. The supporting arm 11 suspends the decorative body 12 over crib 20. The decorative body 12 provides an attractive form for the infant to look at. The pendular arm 13 moves rhythmically back and forth to attract an infants attention. The speaker 14 produces a sound like a heartbeat synchronized with the rhythmic movement and assists in initially attracting the infant's attention and soothing the infant.

An infant can be soothed in any suitable setting. Suitable settings include a crib, a playpen, or lying on the floor. The device 10 can be adapted to suspend the decorative body 12 above the infant in one or more of these settings, although preferably, as in this example, the device 10 is particularly adapted to suspend the decorative body 12 over an infant while the infant is lying in a crib 20.

A typical adaptation for suspending the decorative body 12 above an infant in a crib 20 is a supporting arm 11. An arm is a structure that holds the decorative body in a fixed position from an attachment or attachments at another fixed location or locations. The other location can be a weighted base that rests on the floor, although preferably it is a location on the crib 20 itself. The location can be a rail or a head board. Optionally, the arm 11 can attach to both rails and span across the crib 20. The arm 11 can be permanently attached to the other location or removably attached. A removable attachment can involve a clamp, pin, or interlocking mechanism, for example. The arm 11 can simply fit over a rail and be lifted away when desired.

The supporting arm 11, though essentially rigid in the sense that it will not bend in the face of small stresses, has an adjustable portion 15 that bends in the face of larger stresses. The adjustable portion 15 allows the bear to be selectively manually re-oriented and can be made from materials used in certain conduits and lamp designs.

The decorative body 12 can have any suitable form. Suitable forms include animal shapes, such as a teddy bear shape, flower shapes, and purely fanciful designs, for example. Generally, the decorative body 12 is the dominant aesthetic or visual feature of the device 10. Accordingly, the decorative body is generally larger and visually richer than the pendular arm 13. The decorative body 12 is preferably held in a fixed position by the supporting arm 11 while the pendular arm 13 moves.

The pendular arm 13 is positioned below the decorative body 12, whereby the decorative body 12 is behind the pendular arm 13 when viewed by an infant lying underneath the decorative body 12. The pendular arm 13 can be attached to the decorative body 12 or to a common structure attached to both. The common structure can be the supporting arm 11.

The pendular arm 13 is preferably a rigid structure. The design can be simple, such as a ball, an arrow, or a bird, for example. Simpler shapes are preferred although more complex shapes are permissible. The pendular arm 13 is generally small and plain in comparison to the decorative body 12.

The pendular arm 13 preferably moves pivotally from a point of attachment. Preferably, the motion is restricted to a single plane, although a more complex motion is permissible. Preferably, the motion is in an essentially horizontal plane. Where the decorative body 12 has an identifiable front, the motion is preferably in a plane substantially parallel to the front. Preferably, the plane is within about 3 inches of the front, more preferably within about 1 inch, and still more preferably within about ½ inch. The movement is rhythmic, meaning that the pendular arm 13 follows a fixed course that includes a periodic change of direction. Generally, the movement is back and forth in a plane, like the movement of a pendulum.

In the device 10, the pendular arm 13 is driven by a rotating shaft 16 that rocks back and forth under the power of a motor hidden within the decorative body 12. An arm 17 extends from the rotating shaft 16 and rocks back-and-forth in an essentially horizontal plane substantially parallel to the front of the decorative body 12. A small decorative feature, a heart 18, is positioned at the end of the arm 17. The motion of the pendular arm 13 is like that of a metronome.

The movement of the pendular arm 13 is persistent, meaning that it continues to move through nearly its full range of initial motion after several minutes unattended. This can be accomplished, in some embodiments, through a heavy weight, but generally involves either a spring or an electric motor. A spring can be wound up. An electric motor can be powered by a battery or by household current.

The pendular arm 13 can be actuated by a start-stop switch. A start-stop switch can be an electrical switch. Alternatively, it can be a mechanical device that locks or releases the pendular arm 13. Alternatively, the pendular arm 13 can operate until its power source is exhausted, as in a wind-up spring- powered arm without a locking device.

The speaker 14 produces a sound synchronized with the movement of the pendular arm 11. Preferably, the sound is like that of a heat-beat, although other rhythmic sounds can be used. Preferably, the sound repeats with each cycle of the pendular arm 11. Instead of using an electrical speaker, the device 10 can produce a sound mechanically. The sound is readily audible to an infant lying beneath the decorative body 11. The speaker 14 can have any suitable location. A suitable location can be, for example, on the decorative body 12 or on the pendular arm 11. Optionally, the speaker can be near the end of the pendular arm 11, whereby the source of sound moves with the pendular arm 11.

The device 10 can attach to or be part of a crib. Any conventional crib can be used. Generally, a crib comprises a mattress, a headboard, and rails.

Either or both of the decorative body 12 and the pendular arm 13 can have glow-in-the-dark features. A light can also be provided to make parts of the decorative body 12 and/or the pendular arm 13 visible in the dark. In this regard, the device 10 can double as a night-light.

FIG. 2 illustrates a device 30 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The device 30 comprises a decorative body 31, with a floral shape, a pendular arm 32 that swings back and forth with a ball on the end, a supporting arm 33, and a weighted base 34. The supporting arm 33 attaches to the weighted base 34 and holds the decorative body 31 over a crib 40.

FIG. 3 illustrates a device 50 according to a further embodiment of the present invention. The device 50 comprises a support arm 51 attached by a screw clamp 52 to the rail 61 of a crib 60. The support arm 51 holds a decorative body 53 over the bed (not shown) of the crib 60. A pendular arm 54 with a ball 56 at the end swings back and forth below the decorative body 53 in a persistent, rhythmic, side-to-side motion. Optionally, the decorative body 53 can be caused to rotate by actuating a switch. A speaker 55 beneath the decorative body produces a rhythmic sound synchronized with the motion of the pendular arm 54.

FIG. 4 illustrates a device 70 according to a still further embodiment of the present invention. The device 70 comprises a supporting arm 71 that fits over two rails 81 of a crib 80. The supporting arm 71 holds a decorative body 72 rigidly in place over a bed 82 of the crib 80.

FIG. 5 illustrates a device 90 according to a still further embodiment of the present invention. The device 90 comprises a supporting arm 91 that attached to the rail 101 of a crib 100 by a spring clamp 92. The supporting arm 91 holds a decorative body 92 over the crib 100. A pendular arm 93 can be actuated to swing rhythmically and persistently beneath the decorative body 92. The pendular arm 93 comprises a bird FIG. 94 at its end. A speaker 95 produces a rhythmic sound synchronized with the motion of the pendular arm 93.

The invention has been shown and described with respect to certain aspects, examples, and embodiments. While a particular feature of the invention may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several aspects, examples, or embodiments, the feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other aspects, examples, or embodiments as may be advantageous for any given or particular application. 

1. A device, comprising: a body; a mobile element connected to the body and disposed underneath it; an electric motor or spring configured to drive the mobile element to move rhythmically back and forth; wherein the device is adapted to be positioned above a lying infant; and the device produces a sound synchronized with the movement of the mobile element.
 2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a speaker that produces the sound.
 3. The device of claim 2, wherein the sound is similar to the sound of a heartbeat.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the mobile element is small in comparison to the body.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the mobile element is plain in comparison to the body.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the body has the shape of a toy animal.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein the body has a front and the motion of the mobile element is substantially restricted to a plane substantially parallel to the front of the body.
 8. A method of soothing an infant, comprising: placing the infant below a device according to claim 1; and setting the mobile element in motion.
 9. A crib comprising; a rail; and a device according to claim 1 attached to the rail.
 10. A crib, comprising: a bed; a decorative body positioned over the bed to be in sight of an infant lying in the bed; and a moving device positioned below the decorative body and either attached to the body or a common element that supports both the decorative body and the moving device; wherein the moving device is adapted to move persistently and rhythmically while the decorative body remains stationary.
 11. The crib of claim 10, wherein the decorative body has a front and the moving element is substantially restricted to move in a plane substantially parallel to the front of the decorative body.
 12. The crib of claim 10, further comprising a sound-producing element that produces a readily audible rhythmic sound synchronized with the motion of the moving device.
 13. The crib of claim 10, wherein the moving device is restricted to move in pendular fashion.
 14. The crib of claim 10, wherein the moving device is small in comparison to the decorative body.
 15. The crib of claim 10, wherein the moving device is plain in comparison to the decorative body.
 16. The crib of claim 10, wherein the decorative body has the shape of a toy animal.
 17. A device, comprising: a body comprising a bulky decorative feature; an arm suitable for suspending the body over a crib; a substantially rigid element pivotally attached to the body; and an electric motor or spring configured to drive the rigid element in a rhythmic side-to-side motion.
 18. The device of claim 18, wherein the decorative feature is larger than the substantially rigid element together with any elements rigidly attached to the substantially rigid element.
 19. The device of claim 17, further comprising a sound-producing element that produces a readily audible rhythmic sound synchronized with the motion of the substantially rigid element.
 20. The device of claim 17, wherein the decorative feature is a toy animal. 